At least 120 people are planning to file a lawsuit aimed at stopping the government from using taxpayer money for rituals to mark the enthronement of a new Emperor next year, members said Thursday.

The citizens, including Buddhist monks and members of Christian groups, aim to file the suit with the Tokyo District Court in early December, claiming that funding what they deem as religious ceremonies out of public finances violates the constitutional principle of separation of religion and state.

It is believed to be the first suit of its kind filed over Crown Prince Naruhito's ascent to the Chrysanthemum Throne on May 1, a day after his father, Emperor Akihito, is set to abdicate as the first Japanese living monarch to do so in 200 years.